Electricity

Why should my small business review electricity?

Electricity rates changes

Once a year the government releases a reference price for electricity to assist consumers when comparing between electricity retailers. The reference prices are what the Government deems to be a fair price.

Electricity retailers then release their own offers to the market for small businesses, this usually takes place at least once a year. Typically, the price changes happen in January and February for VIC. For NSW, QLD, SA and ACT it typically takes place in July and August.

When the electricity rate changes occur this is the best time to get in touch with Beevo so we can make sure your business is on a good offer for the next 12 months and you don’t end up paying too much.

It pays to shop around for electricity

Unfortunately, being loyal to an electricity retailer often isn’t the best strategy. Often it is the case that loyal customers end up subsidising the competitive welcome offers used to attract new customers.

The good news is the Beevo team are experts at helping you shop around for electricity so you won’t have to lift a finger. The worst case is Beevo confirms your small business is on a competitive offer and you have peace of mind.

Changing electricity retailers is easy

Electricity distributors are the ones who supply the electricity to your small business, not the electricity retailers. That means when you switch electricity retailers the supply is not affected and therefore the risk of business disruption is a moot point.

When you switch electricity retailers you will get a final bill from the old retailer and then will start getting billed by the new electricity retailer on the new rates.

You don’t even need to worry about this as the Beevo team will explain as much or as little as you want to know and ensure it goes smoothly. The same Beevo person will look after your small business from the start, middle and ongoing!

Why connect or compare electricity with Beevo?

Small business is our business - we work with over 50,000 Australian small businesses.

Every small business is assigned a dedicated Beevo account manager (based in Melbourne) - there for the setup of your business and ongoing support to ensure things run smoothly.

We do the heavy lifting - so your time can be spent on the important things.

Learn more about electricity

Electricity can be a little confusing, so we have provided a basic overview of what’s on your bill below. But if you’d rather someone explain it to you, our account managers would be more than happy to walk you through your bill!

National Meter Identifier (NMI)

This is the unique number that is linked to your specific electricity meter. The NMI is used to assist in the connection and switching of your electricity.

Supply Charge

This is the amount you will be charged each day for the supply of electricity at your site. Even if you don’t use any electricity this charge will still apply.

Usage Charge

This is the rate you will be charged per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity you use.

Usage Amount

This is how much electricity (kWh) your business has used in the last billing period.

Billing Period

This shows the number of days the bill is for. It will typically be for 30 days or 90 days.

How is electricity measured?

Electricity is measured in Watts. 1 kilowatt (kWh) = 1000 watts

Electricity consumption is most commonly measured in kWh = kilowatt per hour.

FAQ's

Will I be charged a termination fee when I move away from an electricity retailer?

For small business meters, electricity retailers typically don’t charge termination fees anymore and if they do they are often insignificant compared to the savings that can be made by switching. For Commercial and Industrial meters (very large users of electricity) contract termination fees are likely to apply. It is worth checking the terms and conditions for your existing contract if unsure.

Will switching electricity suppliers disrupt my business?

Electricity distributors are the companies who supply the electricity to your small business premise, not the electricity retailers. That means when you switch electricity retailers the supply is not affected and therefore the risk of business disruption is a moot point. If you receive an unexpected electricity disconnection notice or final bill, it is worth investigating to make sure there are no issues. Beevo is happy to get involved and help you find out what might have caused this.

How much does it cost for my small business to review electricity?

Using Beevo doesn't cost you a cent! We receive a referral fee from the electricity retailers we have chosen to work with. They are happy to pay for the privilege of having you as a customer however that doesn’t mean you get charged more. It is also important to outline that Beevo recommends energy retailers based on your small business needs and competitive pricing and never recommends energy retailers based on how much we get paid.

When should my small business review electricity?

Once a year is good hygiene to ensure any rate increases can be offset by a competitive offer. Typically electricity price changes happen in January and February for VIC. For NSW,QLD, SA and ACT the rate changes typically take place in July and August.

When the electricity rate changes occur this is the best time to get in touch with Beevo so we can make sure your business is on a good offer for the next 12 months and you don’t end up paying too much.

What is the process and how long does it take?

The process Beevo follows is very straightforward:

1) Provide Beevo with your most recent electricity bill via the Beevo website or feel free to call 1300763764

2) Your new Beevo account manager will run a comparison and let you know the options and savings available

3) If you want to switch it takes 5 minutes on the phone or in some cases an electronic signature

You will then receive one final bill from your existing electricity retailer and from the new retailer after that. Remember with any issues or concerns your Beevo account manager is on hand to jump in and resolve any issues.

What do I need to do to set up electricity at a new site?

This can be a little more complicated depending on whether the site needs to be energised and what the distributor requirements are. The good news is that Beevo understands these intricacies and completes over 100 new electricity connections for small businesses each week. Leave it with us and we will make sure the lights are on when you move in.